The owner of a boutique real estate firm talks about Naperville area real estate and predicts that 2015 will be the best year yet!

Q: Tell me about Wheatland Realty?A: My husband and I own the brokerage. I started off with a national real estate brand. I really wanted to be client focused so we ventured off to create our own boutique brokerage in 2006. The best part about working with my husband is that he is strong in areas that I am not and vice versa. So as a package, we can fill it all the holes and provide a solid, comprehensive experience for sellers and buyers.Q: How did you get into the real estate business?A: I always enjoyed viewing homes for sale and I love working with people. When I had two personal experiences that I felt were less that desirable, I decided I could do better and got my license.Q: What do you like about your work?A: I love that it always keeps me on my toes. No two deals are ever the same. I can say that with confidence and after 11 years in the industry, I never get bored and I love the people!Q: It’s spring. Are you busy selling homes?A: I’m very busy and grateful for it! The Naperville market has sprung for 2015. It’s on pace to be the best year yet since the market crash in 2007-2008.Q: What are Naperville people looking for in a home?A: It often depends on where they are at in their life. Singles, families, move-up buyer or retirees all have different objectives. To start, the key thing is that everyone is looking for fresh paint and carpet. Then, it’s the amenities like granite and stainless appliances. Move-in condition is always the biggest home run!Q: What’s your hot button?A: One of my hot buttons is something called dual agency. It’s when there is one agent for the buyer and seller on the same house. But, how can one agent get the seller the highest price and the buyer the lowest price? They can’t. Sellers shouldn’t give up one of the key factors when choosing an agent, which is how they will negotiate on your behalf. Wheatland Realty has a no dual agency policy. I am very proud of that. We focus on what makes sense to our clients even if there’s more dollars available with other approaches.Q: What gets you excited about your work?A: The people and the challenge of running and growing my own small business. I truly love entrepreneurship!Q: What is one thing most people don’t know about you?A: I was briefly in an MTV music video back in the 80’s. I was 12-years-old and a dancer and I auditioned for the video, which was on a Christian rock band called Resurrection. Being on set with the crew was a blast. I couldn’t stay till the end of filming because my Mom said I had to go home to bed. But I still ended up in the video. Just don’t blink or you will miss me!Q: How have websites like Zillow, Trulia, etc… changed the real estate business?A: The Internet has changed real estate because everyone now knows what is for sale now. So our roles as agents have changed as well. Now it’s a matter of the consumer choosing which individual they want to represent them. Negotiations and representation is now a much bigger factor. The Internet really leveled the playing field allowing local brokerages to compete nationally and even worldwide.

By: Faith Behr, Behr CommunicationsBehr Communications is a marketing PR firm that helps businesses find and build new audiences, raise awareness and connect with their customers. We offer a range of communications marketing capabilities: social media, digital marketing, direct mail, graphic design, public relations, website development and government relations. We know that successful marketing is built on three essential elements, sound strategy, thoughtful execution and genuine relationships.www.behrcommunications.com